Longevity & Relationships

By John Thiel, MNS Advisor

There is a Netflix docuseries called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” based on National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner’s book. It focuses on specific areas of the world where people live well, the longest—and what links them. My wife and I have seen Dan speak multiple times, and we always take away things to think about.

A lot of studies on longevity, including “Blue Zones,” focus on diet, stress, and exercise, but one element seems to outrank them all when it comes to living long, full lives—relationships.

Should that really surprise anyone, though? When I think about the most fulfilling moments of my career, raising my family, and what keeps me motivated in my post-Merrill season, it’s the people.

It’s well known that finding a new role is all about “who you know.” Nearly every job I’ve held resulted from a referral from relationships at my alma mater, FSU. Relationships are why I now serve as an Advisor and Partner with MyNextSeason, where multiple clients have turned into dear friends. I see it in my board work too, whether it’s supporting future leaders as a FSU Trustee or helping people find connections for cancer care through my work with the V Foundation.

Relationships are even more important when you are retiring—they are the secret to what’s next. However, we tend to underestimate our ability to rekindle connections that may have fizzled during a busy career. I can say from experience, it’s easier than you think. When I retired, I was hesitant, but still took the chance to reach out to old colleagues and received immediate, excited replies from people I hadn’t spoken to in up to 10 years. They know you were busy. They’ll forgive you and, much more often than not, embrace your invitation to reconnect. You’ve got the time now. This sweat equity pays off 100 times more than any financial equity you have.

Relationships take work. Life gets in the way. But I encourage you to make the time. With social media like LinkedIn, it’s easier than ever to connect, reconnect, and keep in touch. Have a half day to kill while waiting for your flight back home? Text an old coworker or classmate in the area and meet for lunch rather than catch up on emails in the hotel.

Forming new relationships is critical too. Going to dinner with a friend? Have them invite a friend or two of their own to join so you can expand your circle. It’s important to get out in traffic and meet new people. You’ll likely kiss a few frogs, but don’t give up. Those new friendships add important diversity to your existing community. One of my greatest joys has been watching my different circles of friends bond at events, like my daughter’s wedding.

I truly believe we can start creating our own blue zones by being intentional with relationships, both in maintaining them and creating new ones. Relationships are about more than networking. They add joy, laughter, support, and perhaps years to your life.

How do you maintain or build lasting connections?